Fun for your Family on Get Outdoors Day

Jun 5, 2013

A family fishes in Manistee National Forest

flickr, methyl_lives

On Saturday June 8, about 150 sites across the country will host a celebration of National Get Outdoors Day.

National Get Outdoors Day is an annual event that encourages outdoor fun by offering opportunities for American families to enjoy various outdoor activities, like fishing, geocaching, hiking and more. Participants might get advice on pitching a tent or have an opportunity to take a picture with Smokey Bear or Woodsy Owl. They will also be invited to attend events later in the summer where they can learn more about mountain biking, fly-fishing, wildlife viewing, kayaking, rafting, and more.

Here are the top 10 reasons why you should join, abridged from Get Outdoors USA!:

Americans need the connectivity and unity that results from enjoying time in the outdoors.

Recreation is a powerful anecdote to stress, and a great alternative to other destructive outlets.

Find out what to do and where to do it, easing overwhelming internest searches.

This event invites America’s youth to follow their interests and become active outdoors.

Kids today are less connected to the outdoors, affecting their health and wellbeing.

Many Americans aren't getting the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of spending time on American lands - especially minorities, city dwellers and those with low incomes.

This video is from the Forest Service's campaign to reconnect youth with nature:

On GO Day, the U.S. Forest Service and dozens of other partners are hoping to reach first-time visitors to public lands and reconnect youth to the great outdoors. GO Day is part of of the Get Outdoors USA! campaign, which encourages Americans, especially our youth, to seek out healthy, active outdoor lives and embrace our parks, forests, refuges and other public lands and waters.

Later this month, from June 24 to 27, the annual Great Outdoors America Week will be held in Washington, D.C. to raise awareness and to advocate for the outdoors.